By Andi Anderson
The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar on February 5 at noon CST will feature Justin Meissen, research program manager at the Tallgrass Prairie Center, University of Northern Iowa.
Meissen's research focuses on overcoming barriers to prairie restoration, designing practical seed mixes, and reintegrating native vegetation into working landscapes.
In the webinar titled “Expanding the Value of Ag Conservation Programs for Monarch Butterfly Recovery in Iowa,” Meissen will provide an overview of Iowa’s Monarch Conservation Strategy.
He will discuss the recommendation to list monarchs as threatened under the Endangered Species Act and the critical role of direct action in CRP (Conservation Reserve Program) acres for butterfly recovery.
Meissen will explore the habitat value of existing CRP plantings and share research on enhancing low-diversity grass stands by seeding milkweed and nectar plants essential for monarchs.
“Some 60% of the monarch habitat specified in the state’s recovery plan is to come from the agriculture sector, and 80% of that goal is anticipated to be delivered through CRP enhancements,” said Meissen. “While existing native prairie and pollinator plantings on CRP lands are already providing more monarch habitat than originally thought, successful monarch recovery will only be achieved if landowners choose to employ effective and deliberate methods for improving monarch habitat in more CRP areas. Despite the intensive site-preparation required for the successful establishment of milkweed and nectar plantings in grass-dominated CRP acres, we are hopeful that landowners make positive progress in contributing to the recovery of this important pollinator.”
Participants are encouraged to ask questions during the webinar. People from all backgrounds and areas of interest are welcome to join.
Photo Credit: istock-herreid
Categories: Iowa, Sustainable Agriculture